213 - GIONO (Jean), 1895–1970.

GIONO (Jean), 1895–1970. A set of 6 autograph letters signed “Jean Giono” to Hervé BAZIN (1911–1996) written between 1961 and 1965, including some on letterhead reading “Jean Giono, Manosque.” An interesting collection that sheds light on both Giono’s activities within the Académie Goncourt and his literary friendship with Bazin, covering matters of dining and status as well as his contribution to Bazin’s *Bestiaire* (comprising nineteen texts written between 1956 and 1965, published much later). - June 27, 1961, 1 p., in-8 on letterhead. Giono announces his upcoming departure for Palma and his inability to attend a meeting of the Goncourt committee on July 4. He nevertheless gives his very specific approval to the bylaw amendments: ““I therefore vote yes for the aforementioned amendment,”” before assuring Bazin of his “complete discretion,” which he considers “absolutely essential.” - March 26, 1963, 1 p., in-8 on letterhead. Giono apologizes for missing a luncheon organized by Bazin. He had accepted the invitation by telephone, but an illness subsequently forced him to cancel by letter; he assumes that the letter “must have gotten lost in the strikes.” He concludes affectionately: “Please don’t hold it against me.” - August 24, 1965, 1 p., in-8. Delighted to have received news from Bazin, Giono agrees to provide the requested “twenty lines,” but wants to know exactly what his contribution will entail: “What exactly do you want me to do? Let me know, and I’ll do it right away.” Having recovered from an illness or a bout of illness, he announces above all his imminent return to his colleagues: “Now that I’ve recovered, I’ll take my place again at our table (not to eat anything there, alas, but to be reunited with all the friends who are dear to me.” - August 31, 1965, ½ page in-8 on letterhead. A week later, Giono kept his promise and sent Bazin the requested text: “Here is a text. Take from it whatever you like. It is an excerpt from an unpublished bestiary.” - October 12 (no year), 1 p., in-4. Suffering from a “rheumatic attack in his right hand that makes writing painful,” Giono nevertheless insisted on writing himself to thank Bazin for his letter. He regrets the “scruples” that prevented Bazin from coming to talk with him and warmly invites him: “I hope that if you’re passing near Manosque, you’ll make a detour for my sake.” Finally, he hopes to be free of his pain by “the November meeting” and assures him of his friendship. - Undated, 1/4 page, in-4. Giono finally thanks Bazin for a letter that particularly moved him: ““Your letter pleased me. It said more than many others, and coming from you, it moved me deeply.” He hopes to see him again, as their previous meeting had been too brief: “It was so short at Gallimard.”